CADO, the UAE-founded premium gifting platform, has successfully closed a $4.5 million pre-seed funding round. The investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to digitalize and elevate the global corporate gifting economy. The round saw participation from Sanabil 500, a German family office, and a collective of high-net-worth and angel investors.
The Vision Behind Modern Gifting
Founded in Dubai by Leila Al Marashi, CADO started as a three-person team with a vision to blend innovation with the personal touch of gifting. The platform has since evolved into a regional leader, operating across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States. It offers an ecosystem that merges creativity, advanced logistics, and technology to make corporate gifting an intelligent and emotionally resonant experience for global brands.
“When I started CADO, my vision was to modernise and elevate the art of gifting; to blend innovation with meaning and make every gesture effortless yet deeply personal,” said Leila Al Marashi, Founder and CEO of CADO. “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia has been an inspiring part of our journey, where we’re building an ecosystem that connects artisans, suppliers, and businesses with a shared commitment to excellence and creativity.”
Fuelling Regional and Global Ambitions
The newly acquired capital will be instrumental in accelerating CADO’s expansion plans. A key focus will be deepening its presence in Saudi Arabia by developing a robust community ecosystem that connects local artisans, artists, and suppliers. The funding will also fuel the company’s international growth strategy, beginning with its recent launch in New York. This move positions CADO as the first global gifting powerhouse to emerge from the Middle East, bridging regional craftsmanship with a worldwide audience.
From Dubai to a Global Stage
CADO’s success is underscored by its impressive portfolio of over 500 repeat corporate partners, including luxury and tech giants like Julius Baer, Cartier, Netflix, Van Cleef & Arpels, Gucci, LinkedIn, TikTok, and American Express. The company’s unique value proposition has attracted strong investor confidence.
Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at Sanabil 500, commented, “CADO is redefining what modern gifting means for today’s connected world. Their model merges creativity, technology, and cultural relevance—creating a new global category rooted in human connection.”
Following a notable appearance on Shark Tank UAE and the launch of its New York operations, CADO is set to continue its trajectory of transforming the gifting industry on a global scale.
About CADO
CADO is a premium corporate gifting platform transforming how the world connects through gifts. Founded in Dubai, it combines creativity, technology, and logistics to deliver intelligent, emotionally resonant experiences for global brands. Operating across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States, CADO partners with more than 500 clients to design, produce, and deliver gifts that build lasting relationships.
Source: Zawya
